AboutThe Ayn Rand Institute

The Center for the Advancement of Objectivism

ARI offers a variety of educational experiences to promote greater understanding of Ayn Rand’s philosophy and, through the writing and speaking of our experts, advocates her principles of reason, rational self-interest and laissez-faire capitalism. Learn about ways to support us. Reach out to us with your media inquiries.

MISSION & PURPOSE

The Ayn Rand Institute

ARI fosters a growing awareness, understanding and acceptance of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism, in order to create a culture whose guiding principles are reason, rational self-interest, individualism and laissez-faire capitalism­­ — a culture in which individuals are free to pursue their own happiness.

How? Our strategy, priorities and programs are informed by Rand’s distinctive view of what sets the direction of a society. It is not the latest election results or media celebrities but the philosophic ideas that shape men’s choices and actions.

Owner: Leonard Peikoff | Credit: Ayn Rand Archives

Ayn Rand's Philosophy

To advance Objectivism, ARI focuses on areas that have a long-term multiplying impact on the direction of our culture — notably, education and policy debates.

The education system, from grade school to academia, conveys the basic ideas through which people try to make sense of their lives and the world. Engage students, educators, scholars — and you can achieve large scale and enduring influence.

Look closer at public policy, beyond sound bites and election cycles, and you’ll find fundamental moral ideas that frame crucial debates. Reframe those debates in line with the principles of rational egoism and individual rights — and you help lay the foundations of a free society.

PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES

ARI’S PROVEN IMPACT

Dive in to learn how ARI champions Rand’s exalted vision of the individual’s potential for happiness and achievement. Discover how ARI works to educate and empower a wide variety of audiences, from students, teachers and scholars to businessmen and policymakers. Since 1985, our programs and initiatives have achieved real impact.

GET INVOLVED

Have Ayn Rand’s works and ideas given direction and urgency to your desire to make your world a better place in which to live? Across the country and around the world, people are turning to Rand’s philosophy for guidance in the struggle for freedom.

There are many ways that you as an individual can take part. ARI provides materials, support and more. See what others are doing individually and in concert with ARI. We welcome you to stand with us!

Events

Objectivist Summer Conference 2017

Suggested Course

Course

Philosophy: Who Needs It

What is philosophy? Why and how is it relevant to my life? In this 1974 address to West Point cadets, Ayn Rand argues that whether we realize it or not, all of us hold and act on philosophic ideas, and that philosophy is a crucial, practical need of human life.